Hi, I'm Diane. My Superhero Dad passed at age 80 suddenly, and my best friend, aka Mom, got dementia. I quit my career to take care of her needs until she went to heaven in 2019. All that sitting with her 24/7 was, of course, worth it, but it blew out my spine and back for years, and everything gave out on Aug 8, 2025, resulting in hospitalization (alone), CAT scans, and a wheelchair at home. My world imploded in 2025. No parents, no family, and no walking. I lost my new job, no home care (insurance issue), no 401k (busy caregiving and loving my mom in hospice until 2019), no nothing except wailing in pain, and I'm pretty tough. Behind on every bill because I can't walk still (as of Labor Day). After Mom passed, I got COVID, and then the hip/back pain crept in, resulting in other job losses. I'm scared I'm going to be a cripple. Wouldn't trade caregiver love for gold, but it toasted my spine and hips. Can't pay my HOA (behind 3 months), 2024 property tax of $3100, and my utilities. I have been on the phone with every charity and church in Michigan and have been told, "no funds, sorry." So I cry a lot, adding in the hip/spine pain, the walker, the wheelchair, can't bathe, can't clean my house, wondering where my life went and why. Crying for my parents who gave me a magical childhood and adulthood, and will I ever get better. I'm a happy, positive gal; where did I go? I have resorted to this, and it's embarrassing. I'm trying. Thanks for listening.

* as of 9/15/25 my pain is worse. Dr now called it avascular necrosis of bone . The bone dies off bc not more oxygen and blood get to it. Left leg totally numb cant walk with a walker. Another job fired me bc I can't get into office and cant get around, plus more procedures are in my future. Including this next week and an MRI. The agony is incredible, with the walker Im screaming. Leg is numb. Cancer? Ohmygosh I pray no.